Sifax Knocks FG Over Delay In Concession Renewal

BY GBOGBOWA GBOWA

A subsidiary of the SIFAX Group, Ports & Cargo Handling Services Limited has expressed dissatisfaction delays associated with the concession renewal, noting that the delay is taking a toll on port operation, port businesses, investment decisions and projection; amongst other negative consequences.

Mr. John Jenkins, Managing Director of Ports & Cargo Handling Services Limited, who disclosed above when Bashir Ambi Mohammed, Head, Complaints Unit, Nigerian Shippers’ Council paid him a courtesy in his operational office in Lagos.

Jenkins wondered what is holding the government from doing the needful, lamenting that such official delays are detrimental to productivity and efficiency.

Ports & Cargo Terminal is one of the port operators waiting on the government for the renewal of its port concession which expired  over a year ago. He said the delay has destabilised Ports and Cargo’s operations, caused uncertainty among customers, and hindered potential new business opportunities.

He lamented that the renewal process of the concession has been stalled since the contract expired in 2021, despite meeting all the necessary terms for a new contract renewal.

“Ports & Cargo remains one of the leading terminal operators in Nigeria with our record of exceptional service delivery, trade facilitation, many jobs created, and diverse social responsibility footprints across the country. This delay in our concession renewal has tremendously affected our terminal, as our customers are worried about the future of their operations here.

“Without a new concession in place, they are hesitant to enter into long-term agreements, which is not good for our business”, Jenkins said.

Mohammed, who said the objective of the visit was to familiarise with the operators in the sector and explore ways of cooperation, lauded the terminal for its impact and contributions to the growth of the industry in particular and the nation at large.

He explained that one of the key objectives of the Council is to ensure that service providers, consumers, and other stakeholders in the shipping sector experience prompt and fair resolution of complaints.

“We are committed to adding value to the nation’s economy through effective regulation and collaboration with service providers”, he said.

Mohammed promised that the Council will wade into the issue of delays associated with the renewal of concession to avoid further negative impact on the industry.